Landsverk L-62 Anti II

Landsverk L-62, also known as Landsverk Anti II or a combination of both, Landsverk L-62 Anti II, was a Swedish self-propelled anti-aircraft gun construction that was specifically designed for Finland by Landsverk between 1941 and 1942.

Construction

The vehicle was an improved Landsverk L-62 Anti I where the turret and chassis had been improved for better protection. The chassis was based on the Landsverk L-60 tank but was lengthened with one extra roadwheel per side. The turret was circular and open for a better view against planes. The gun was a 40 mm Bofors L/60 anti-air gun which was already in service with the Finnish military as the 40 ItK/38.

Operational history

In Finnish service the vehicle got the designation ItPsv 41, full name Ilmatorjuntapanssarivaunu 41, meaning Anti-aircraft Tank 41. Finland bought six tanks in 1942. During the battles in the summer of 1944, the Finnish tanks downed eleven Soviet aircraft and thus prevented attacks against the tank brigade. All vehicles survived the war and were used until 1966. Several are part of museum exhibitions in modern times.

File:ItPsv 41 (Landsverk L-62 Anti II).png

Landsverk L-62 Anti II in Finnish service under the designation ItPsv 41. Here seen in a later paint scheme with the later roundel which does not feature the hakaristi (hook cross), generally known as the Swastika.

File:L-62-Landsverk-Anti-II-backside.jpg

Landsverk Anti II backside at AA-museum in Tuusula, Finland

Sources

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